RT Article
T1 Disability-based arguments against assisted dying laws
JF Bioethics
VO 36
IS 6
SP 680
OP 686
A1 Colburn, Ben
LA English
PB Wiley-Blackwell
YR 2022
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1807168956
AB Some of the most common arguments against legalizing assisted dying are based on appealing to the rights of people with disabilities. This article identifies and responds to those arguments, including that people with disabilities univocally oppose assisted dying laws; that those laws harm people with disabilities, or show disrespect; and that those laws undermine other vital aspects of healthcare. Drawing on philosophical argument, as well as on evidence from jurisdictions where assisted dying is legal, the article concludes that considerations of disability do not in fact generate good arguments against assisted dying laws. In fact, the opposite is true. There are nevertheless important lessons that proponents and defenders of such laws can learn in conversation with people with disabilities, including about safeguards on assisted dying to protect their well-being and autonomy.
K1 Euthanasia
K1 Disability
K1 Criminal law
K1 Autonomy
K1 assisted dying
DO 10.1111/bioe.13036